What is the Body of Christ.
God distinguishes between three groups of people in His word that He has purposes for.
`Give no offence either to Jews (Israel) or to the Greeks (nations) or to the church (Body of Christ) of God.` (1 Cor. 10: 32)
The Body of Christ
The Body of Christ is a specific group of people that Christ the Head is forming and is bringing to maturity in Him. The Body of Christ is called - the Ekklesia, meaning the called out ones, called out from Israel and the nations. (Eph. 1: 22, 2: 12 - 16)
They have the high calling to the third heaven.
`I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.`(Phil.3: 14)
Israel
Israel is a different group that God made. They are also called the Ekklesia, meaning the called out ones, but only called out from the Nations. (Acts 7: 38)
They are an earthly nation and although they rebelled against God, they will yet fulfil their calling to rule the nations of the world on earth, forever. God said -
`I will make you (Abraham) a great nation: (Israel) and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.` (Gen. 12: 1 - 3)
`..the Lord will rise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles (nations) will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising.` (Isa. 60: 2 & 3)
The Nations
The nations are another group. These are called Gentiles, (non Jewish). They will be judged as to how they treated Israel. God said -
`I will gather all nations....I will enter into judgment with them ....on behalf of My people....Israel.` (Joel 3: 1 & 2)
